Help replacing starter. 95 yj

[kidwithaYJ]

Yeah, it's simple enough. I'm having trouble removing the bolts that hold the starter to the block. They appear to be some kind of inverse torx head (looks more like a torx bit than a bolt). I got one of them out with a 3/8 12 point bit, but the other one is in there good and I've already done some damage to it. Any idea what that sucker is and where I can get the correct socket for it? I appreciate it.

[zachv]

I believe they are an "E-30" socket, and you are correct that they are a male Torx head and quite a PITA.

[wissemeier05]

yeh they are just what u thought inverse torx heads, you can get a set of them at any local parts store, craftsmann store, harbor freight's (where i got mine got a set of them for like 7 bucks, they have held up fine)

HTH
:cool: dan

[olivesta500]

i would do whatever you can to get that bolt out and replace it with a regular hex-head bolt. i have a set of "inverse star sockets" that i bought at auto zone for cheap. i believe the size you would need would be e12 but not positive on that. the set i got at auto zone has e8 e10 e12 and e14. if those dont work try a vice grips.

if nothing else you probably have those invers torx bolts on the top of your bellhousing and you might need those sockets next time you go to change your clutch (thats the reason i bought the sockets). might wanna replace those with hex-bolts too. HTH

edit: dang you guys mustve clicked in faster than i did. and like i said im not positive e12 is the correct size. if you get the set youll have a few sizes to choose from anyway

[OhioYJ]

if those dont work try a vice grips. I know when I took out the ones on top of the bellhousing, I ended up using a 12pt wrench to take them out, I had the sockets, but I could get the closed end of a 3/8" wrench on there, fit really tight, they came out no problem, put regular bolts back in.

And anyways, how'd you Jeep end up with external torx on the starter, mine just has regular bolts in it.

[kwrangln]

My 93 4 banger had the torx starter bolts as well. Think the first time I changed the starter I broke about 4 12 pt sockets before going to get the right tool for the job. There is not enough clearance in there to replace with a normal hex head bolt, believe me, I tried as I hate torx.